Healthy Holiday Trends for 2012

Cheap holidays are good for the health in so many ways – we can all describe the enormous feeling of well-being we have after a week or two relaxing in the sun and broadening our minds with new sights and sounds – but some people take the idea of a revitalising break a step further and tailor their holiday experience especially to the purpose of increasing their health.

Specialist provider Health and Fitness Travel published its “wellness travel trends for 2012” this week, examining what it reckons to be next year’s “big things” in this niche travel sector. These included:

• Men’s Health breaks: Moving away from the stereotype that spa holidays are a female-only thing, an increasing number of male travellers are choosing healthy breaks, with increased demand from male customers reported at resorts – many of which now offer services tailored to a male client.
• Anti-Ageing Breaks: No, not some dubious wrinkle-reducing treatment; rather holidays aimed at improving the overall health and vitality of the over-50s, in the form of walking, cycling, tennis, spa and yoga holidays.
• Age-Adapted Spas: Next year is likely to see more spas based around the needs of specific age groups. Spas for the young will focus on preventative treatments and healthy ageing, while spas for the over-55s will incorporate rehabilitation treatments and preventing age related diseases like osteoporosis.
• Mind and Body Awareness: ‘A healthy mind in a healthy body’ is an ancient concept, but is finding a new expression in holidays focusing on meditation, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, yoga and other holistic activities and healing therapies which combat stress.
• Family Wellness Holidays: It’s not just solo travellers who are getting in on the act. Families increasingly want a healthy and active break, with plenty of physical exercise for the children and spa treatments for the stressed-out parents!
• Cultural Spa Breaks: A growing number of spas across the world now encourage going beyond the treatment rooms and experiencing the local culture and lifestyle – as well as developing treatments based on local wisdom.